Canadian pork industry backs national food security strategy
New funding and processing investments expected to support livestock and food sectors.
CANADA – Canada’s pork industry has welcomed the federal government’s new National Food Security Strategy, which is designed to expand domestic food production, strengthen processing capacity, and improve supply chain resilience.
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) said the strategy aligns closely with priorities across the pork value chain and provides opportunities to enhance food production, processing infrastructure, and market access within the country.
CPC Chair René Roy said the industry is ready to work with the government and stakeholders to implement measures to strengthen Canada’s food system.
Focus on domestic processing capacity
A key component of the strategy is increasing food processing activity closer to production areas, a move the pork sector says is important for maintaining food security, farm viability, animal health management, and stable protein supplies.
The government has set a target of raising the consumption of Canadian-produced and processed food from 70% to 80%, while also aiming to increase annual growth in the food processing sector from 1.6% to 2.75% between 2027 and 2035.
To support these goals, industry groups will be invited to submit proposals for projects that expand or improve domestic processing infrastructure.
The Strategic Response Fund is expected to open its first call for applications in June 2026, followed by a second funding round later in the year.
Funding and regulatory reforms included
The strategy also includes a C$100 million (US$72.9 million) fund dedicated to supporting food innovation clusters and advancing development across the agri-food sector.
Industry organisations have additionally welcomed plans to reduce regulatory burdens, including efforts to clear approval backlogs and accelerate reviews for products such as feed additives and veterinary biologics.
The federal government has also committed to updating food legislation to incorporate food security considerations as part of broader efforts to strengthen Canada’s agricultural and food systems.
Industry representatives said these measures could improve competitiveness, encourage investment, and support long-term growth across Canada’s pork sector and wider food industry.
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